Steam generator, steam generator system and household appliance

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a steam generator ( 100 ), a steam generator system ( 1000 ) and a household appliance. The steam generator ( 100 ) includes: a housing ( 1 ), wherein at least two chambers spaced apart from each other are defined in the housing ( 1 ), the at least two chambers are in communication with each other via a communication groove ( 21 ) respectively, and two chambers thereof are provided with a water inlet ( 13 ) and a steam outlet ( 14 ) respectively; a heating element ( 3 ) formed in the housing ( 1 ) and used to heat and vaporize water in the housing into steam; and a flow passage formed in the housing ( 1 ) extending from the water inlet ( 13 ) to the steam outlet ( 14 ) via the at least two chambers.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a technical field of household appliances, and more particularly to a steam generator, a steam generator system and a household appliance.

BACKGROUND

An existing boiler type steam generator has a large volume, and is inconvenient to add water.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to solve at least one of the problems existing in the related art to at least some extent. To this end, the present invention provides a steam generator having a small size, and it is convenient to add water.

The present invention further provides a steam generator system including the above-described steam generator.

The present invention further provides a household appliance including the above-described steam generator system.

The steam generator according to embodiments of the present invention, includes: a housing, in which at least two chambers spaced apart from each other are defined in the housing, the at least two chambers are in communication with each other via a communication groove respectively, and two chambers of the at least two chambers are provided with a water inlet and a steam outlet respectively; a heating element formed in the housing and used to heat and vaporize water in the housing into steam; and a flow passage formed in the housing and extending from the water inlet to the steam outlet via the at least two chambers.

The steam generator according to embodiments of the present invention, at least two chambers spaced apart from each other are defined in the housing, the at least two chambers thereof are in communication with the water inlet and the steam outlet respectively, thus, when the steam is discharged from the chamber in communication with the steam outlet, it is convenient to add water via the water inlet into the chamber in communication with the water inlet, furthermore, compared with an existing boiler type steam generator with a large size, the steam generator of the present invention has a smaller size, mounting the steam generator in the household appliances together with the steam generator system facilitates achieving a miniaturization of the household appliances.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber are defined in the housing, the third chamber and the second chamber are provided in the housing side by side, the first chamber is defined between side walls of the third chamber and the second chamber and an inner side wall of the housing, the first chamber is in communication with the third chamber via a first communication groove, and the third chamber is in communication with the second chamber via a second communication groove.

Further, the heating element is provided on side walls of the third chamber and the second chamber to heat the first chamber, the second chamber and the third chamber.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the water inlet is in communication with the first chamber, and the steam outlet is in communication with the second chamber.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first chamber and the second chamber are defined in the housing via a dividing wall, at least one communication groove is provided in the dividing wall to make the first chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber, the water inlet is in communication with the first chamber, the steam outlet is in communication with the second chamber, and the heating element is provided on the dividing wall to heat the first chamber and the second chamber.

Further, the dividing wall is formed as a plate-shape piece to separate the first chamber and the second chamber, and make the first chamber and the second chamber arranged side by side in a left-and-right direction.

Further, the dividing wall is formed as an annular piece to make the first chamber surround the second chamber.

Further, the flow passage includes a sub flow passage, at least one sub flow passage is defined between the first chamber and the second chamber, a barrier wall is provided in the at least one sub flow passage to block the flow direction of the fluid, and the barrier wall is provided adjacent to the communication groove.

Further, the first chamber is provided with the barrier wall to block the flow direction of the fluid, and the barrier wall is provided adjacent to the communication groove.

Further, the water inlet is located at a side of the barrier wall facing away from the communication groove.

Further, the steam generator further includes a first water inlet pipe in communication with the water inlet, and a water outlet end of the first water inlet pipe extends into the first chamber.

Further, the water inlet and the communication groove are located at a same side of the barrier wall.

Further, the steam generator further includes a second water inlet pipe in communication with the water inlet, a free end of the second water inlet pipe extends from a side of the barrier wall adjacent to the communication groove to the other side of the barrier wall after encircling the dividing wall in a circumferential direction thereof.

Further, the second water inlet pipe has a plurality of first water outlet holes spaced apart.

Further, the free end of the second water inlet pipe is configured as a water outlet end.

Further, the steam generator further includes a third water inlet pipe in communication with the water inlet, and a water outlet end of the third water inlet pipe extends into a side of the first chamber facing away from the communication groove after passing through the barrier wall.

Further, the steam generator further includes a fourth water inlet pipe in communication with the water inlet, a free end of the fourth water inlet pipe is closed, the fourth water inlet pipe passes through the barrier wall and extends in a circumferential direction of the dividing wall, and formed with a plurality of second water outlet holes is formed in a length direction of the fourth water inlet pipe and spaced apart.

Further, steam generated in the first chamber forms steam cyclonic airflow after entering the second chamber via the communication groove.

Further, an extending direction of the communication groove is tangent to an inner circumferential wall surface of the second chamber, such that the steam generated in the first chamber tangentially enters the second chamber.

Further, the communication groove is formed in an upper portion of the dividing wall, and is adjacent to a top wall of the housing.

Further, the heating element further includes an electrical terminal, and the electrical terminal is embedded in the barrier wall and exposed via a through hole in a side wall of the housing corresponding to the barrier wall.

Further, the heating element heats the second chamber and the first chamber simultaneously.

Further, the heating element is embedded in an interior of the dividing wall, an inner wall surface or an outer wall surface of the dividing wall.

Further, the heating element is helical in the circumferential direction of the dividing wall and is provided in the dividing wall.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the housing includes a base and a cover used to seal the base; wherein the water inlet and the steam outlet are both provided in the cover.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam generator further includes at least a temperature controller provided on an outer surface of the housing, and the temperature controller controls energization and de-energization of the heating element according to a temperature of the housing.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam generator further includes at least one fuse, each fuse includes a second temperature sensor, the fuse is provided on the outer surface of the housing to make the second temperature sensor detect the temperature of the housing; when the second temperature sensor detect that the temperature of the housing is greater than a predetermined value, the fuse controls the heating element to be de-energized.

The steam generator system according to embodiments of the present invention, include an above-described steam generator, a water tank and a water pump, which pumps the water in the water tank into the housing continuously.

The steam generator system according to embodiments of the present invention has a small size by providing the above-described steam generator, it is convenient to add water into the steam generator, and applying the steam generator system in the household appliance facilitates achieving the miniaturization of the household appliance.

The household appliance according to embodiments of the present invention, includes an above-described steam generator system.

In the household appliance according to embodiments of the present invention, providing the above-described steam generator system facilitates achieving the miniaturization of the household appliance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the household appliance is configured as a vacuum cleaner, a garment steamer, a range hood, a coffee maker, a washing machine, an air conditioner or a microwave oven.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following descriptions made with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a steam generator according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 2 taken along line A-A;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 3 taken along line A-A, in which an elastic element and a seal element are removed from the steam generator;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 2 taken along line B-B;

FIG. 6 is an exploded schematic view of a steam generator according to other embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a steam generator according to still other embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial schematic view of the steam generator according to other embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 9 taken along line C-C;

FIG. 11 is a partial schematic view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 7, in which a cover is removed from the steam generator;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a partial schematic view of the steam generator according to yet other embodiments of the present invention, in which a cover is removed from the steam generator;

FIG. 14 is a partial schematic view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 13, in which a scale containing structure is taken away;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a fluid flow direction in the steam generator shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the steam generator according to other embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 16 taken along line D-D;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 16, in which a cover is removed from the steam generator;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a connection of a steam generator system according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a steam generator according to other embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a steam generator according to still other embodiments of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1000: steam generator system;     -   100: steam generator;     -   1: housing; 11: first chamber; 12: second chamber; 17: third         chamber; 13: water inlet; 14: steam outlet; 15: base; 16: cover;         162: rib; 161: protruding post; 1611: passage opening; 1612:         one-way passage; 163: raised line; 2: dividing wall; 22: groove;         21: communication groove; 211: first communication groove; 212:         second communication groove; 3: heating element; 31: electrical         terminal; 4: pressure switch device; 41: seal element; 42:         elastic element; 5: barrier wall; 51: first end wall; 52: second         end wall; 53: third end wall; 54: fourth end wall; 55: seal         groove; 61: first water inlet pipe; 62: second water inlet pipe;         621: first water outlet; 622: C-shaped pipe segment; 623:         vertical pipe segment; 7: gain structure; 81: mesh grille; 82:         strip grille; 83: columnar grille; 831: extending strip; 84:         first snap groove; 85: second snap groove; 9: temperature         controller; 10: fuse;     -   200: water tank; 300: water pump; 400: water softener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Description will be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, and examples of the embodiments will be illustrated in drawings. The embodiments described herein with reference to drawings are explanatory, illustrative, and used to generally understand the present disclosure. The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure.

In the specification of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms such as “central”, “length”, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, “radial”, “circumferential”, etc. should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience and simplifying of description, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, or be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Therefore, these relative terms should not be construed to limit the present disclosure.

A steam generator 100 according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21. The steam generator 100 may be used in a steam generator system 1000, and in household appliances with the steam generator system 1000, such as a vacuum cleaner, a garment steamer, a range hood, a coffee maker, a washing machine, an air conditioner or a microwave oven, etc., and used for producing steam.

The steam generator 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention may include a housing 1 and a heating element 3 formed in the housing 1. The heating element 3 can heat water in the housing 1 and vaporize the water into steam, so as to facilitate use of the household appliance.

The housing 1 is provided with a sealed chamber, specifically, at least two chambers spaced apart from each other are defined in the housing 1. The heating element 3 may heat the at least two chambers, and the at least two chambers are in communication with each other via a communication groove 21, such that it is convenient for the steam in a chamber to enter another chamber via the communication groove 21.

Two chambers thereof are provided with a water inlet 13 and a steam outlet 14 respectively. For example, when two chambers are defined in the housing 1, in which one chamber is in communication with the water inlet 13, and the other chamber is in communication with the steam outlet 14. Thus, during the use of the steam generator 100, the steam may be discharged via the steam outlet 14 from the chamber in communication with the steam outlet 14 under the heating of the heating element 3. Meanwhile the water may be added into the chamber in communication with the water inlet 13 via the water inlet 13. A problem of inconvenience for adding water of an existing boiler type steam generator is solved. Furthermore, compared with the existing boiler type steam generator with a large volume, the steam generator of the present invention has a smaller volume, so mounting the steam generator 100 in the household appliances along with the steam generator system 1000 facilitates to miniaturization of the household appliances.

A flow passage is provided in the housing 1, and extends from the water inlet 13 to the steam outlet 14 via the at least two chambers. For example, when two chambers are defined in the housing 1, one chamber is in communication with the water inlet 13, the other chamber is in communication with the steam outlet 14, and the flow passage extends from the water inlet to the steam outlet via the chamber in communication with the water inlet, the communication groove between the two chambers and the chamber in communication with the steam outlet. Such that after the heating element 3 heats the water in the chamber in communication with the water inlet 13 to vaporize the water into the steam, it is convenient for the steam to unidirectionally flow in the flow passage, to the steam outlet 14 and out via the steam outlet 14.

It should be understood that, when the steam is flowing in the flow passage, the steam in the flow passage can be further heated by heat generated by the heating of the heating element 3 (for example, the heating element 3 is provided on a side wall of the chamber to heat the at least two chambers), such that a heat exchange area between the heating element 3 and the steam increases, which facilitates improving the dryness and temperature of the steam.

In the steam generator 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention, at least two chambers spaced apart from each other are defined in the housing 1, the at least two chambers are in communication with each other via the communication groove 21, and the water inlet 13 and the steam outlet 14 are in communication with two chambers of the at least two chambers respectively, thus, when the steam is discharged from the chamber in communication with the steam outlet 14, it is convenient to add water via the water inlet 13 into the chamber in communication with the water inlet 13, furthermore, compared with the existing boiler type steam generator, the steam generator 100 of the present invention has a smaller size, mounting the steam generator 100 in the household appliances along with the steam generator system 1000 facilities miniaturization of the household appliances.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 21, a first chamber 11, a second chamber 12 and a third chamber 17 are defined in the housing 1, the third chamber 17 and the second chamber 12 are provided in the housing 1 side by side, and the first chamber 11 is defined between side walls of the third chamber 17 and the second chamber 12 and an inner side wall of the housing 1. The first chamber 11 is in communication with the third chamber 17 via a first communication groove 211, the third chamber 17 is in communication with the second chamber 12 via a second communication groove 212, which is simple in structure. Specifically, the heating element 3 is provided on the side walls of the third chamber 17 and the second chamber 12 to heat the first chamber 11, the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 17. For example, two heating elements 3 are provided, and the two heating elements 3 surround the third chamber 17 and the second chamber 12 respectively and are provided on the side walls of the third chamber 17 and the second chamber 12 respectively, such that it is convenient for the heating elements 3 to heat the first chamber 11, the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 17 to vaporize the water in the housing 1 into the steam rapidly. When the steam flows in the flow passage, it is convenient for the heating elements 3 to heat the steam further, which facilitates improving the temperature and the dryness of the steam at the steam outlet 14.

Further, the water inlet 13 is in communication with the first chamber 11, the steam outlet 14 is in communication with the second chamber 12, thus, the flow passage extends from the water inlet 13 to the steam outlet 14 via the first chamber 11, the first communication groove 211, the third chamber 17, the second communication groove 212 and the second chamber 12 successively, which facilitates extending a length of the flow passage, such that the heating element 3 can heat the steam in the flow passage continuously to improve the dryness and temperature of the steam at the steam outlet 14.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 to 15, and 20, a first chamber 11 and a second chamber 12 spaced apart from each other are defined in the housing 1 via a dividing wall 2. Thus, the dividing wall 2 provided in the housing 1 facilitates increasing an inner surface area of the housing 1, so that more scale can conveniently adhere thereto, a decrease in energy efficiency and even a damage to the steam generator 100 resulting from the excessive scale can be avoided to some extent, and the service life of the steam generator 100 can be prolonged.

The dividing wall 2 is provided with at least one communication groove 21 making the first chamber 11 in fluid communication with the second chamber 12. The heating element 3 includes an electrical terminal 31, and the electrical terminal 31 of the heating element 3 is exposed via a through hole formed in the housing 1.

The housing 1 is provided with the water inlet 13 and the steam outlet 14, in which the water inlet 13 is in communication with the first chamber 11, and the steam outlet 14 is in communication with the second chamber 12. Thus, by providing the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11 spaced apart from each other in the housing 1, and meanwhile, making the water inlet 13 in direct communication with the first chamber 11 and the steam outlet 14 in direct communication with the second chamber 12, when the steam generator 100 is in operation, the water may be added into the first chamber 11 via the water inlet 13 continuously while the steam outlet 14 in communication with the second chamber 12 discharges the steam continuously, thus solving a problem that the water cannot conveniently added in the existing boiler type steam generator. Furthermore, compared with the existing boiler type steam generator with a large size, the steam generator 100 of the present invention has a small size, mounting the steam generator 100 in the household appliances together with the steam generator system 1000 facilitates miniaturization of the household appliance. Optionally, the water inlet 13 may be provided at any position of a top wall of the housing 1 corresponding to the first chamber 11.

The heating element 3 is provided in the dividing wall 2 to heat the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11. Specifically, by providing the heating element 3 on the dividing wall 2, the thermal energy produced by the heating element 3 can be conducted rapidly to the fluid in the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11 at first, a liquid fluid can be vapored rapidly into a steam fluid after being heated to improve the utilization rate of electrical energy, and the heating element 3 can be prevented from overheating locally. For example, the heating element 3 may be embedded in an interior of the dividing wall 2, an inner wall surface or an outer wall surface of the dividing wall 2 to facilitate heating the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11. Optionally, the heating element 3 may be integrally embedded in the interior of the dividing wall 2 based on a casting process, or fixedly provided on the inner wall surface or the outer wall surface of the dividing wall 2 to facilitate heating the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. The heating element 3 may also be provided at other positions of the housing 1, such as in the second chamber 12 or the first chamber 11, or the heating element 3 may be integrally embedded in any position of the housing 1 based on a casting process. It should be understood that the dividing wall 2 provided in the housing 1 has a heat conducting effect.

Specifically, the water entering the first chamber 11 via the water inlet 13 is vaporized under the heating of the heating element 3. When the steam or a mixed fluid of water droplets and the steam in the first chamber 11 enters the second chamber 12 via the communication groove 21, the heating element 3 acts on the second chamber 12 simultaneously, to dry the steam entering the second chamber 12 into a dry steam and then discharged via the steam outlet 14. It should be understood that, in the heating process of the heating element 3, the water can be added into the first chamber 11 continuously. Thus, by providing the heating element 3 in the dividing wall 2 to make the heating element 3 heat the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11, and by adding water into the first chamber 11 via the water inlet 13 continuously, it is convenient for the steam to be continuously discharged from the steam outlet 14, it not only improves the utilization rate of the heating element 3, but also shortens the pre-heating time of the steam generator 100, which makes the steam generator 100 continuously generate steam with a high temperature and a great dryness.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the dividing wall 2 is formed as a plate-shape piece to separate the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12, and make the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12 arranged side by side in a left-and-right direction. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. The dividing wall 2 may also be formed as an annular piece, so that the first chamber 11 surrounds the second chamber 12. For example, the dividing wall 2 is formed as an annulus or a square ring.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 to 7, the housing 1 includes a base 15 and a cover 16 for sealing the base 15, in which, the water inlet 13 and the steam outlet 14 are both provided in the cover 16.

Further, the dividing wall 2 is provided in the base 15 to define the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12, to facilitate arrangement of the heating element 3 and the dividing wall 2, etc. in the housing 1. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. The water inlet 13 and the steam outlet 14 may also be provided at other feasible positions, for example, the water inlet 13 and the steam outlet 14 are provided in the base 15, or the water inlet 13 and the steam outlet 14 are provided in the base 15 and the cover 16 respectively, or others arrangement positions capable of achieving an equivalent above-described effect.

Optionally, the cover 16 is connected to the base 15 through a fastener such as a bolt in a sealing manner. Further optionally, as shown in FIG. 6, a bottom wall of the cover 16 is provided with a rib 162, and a top wall of the dividing wall 2 is provided with a substantially annular groove 22. When the cover 16 covers on the base 15, the rib 162 is fitted with the groove 22, and meanwhile the cover 16 is further connected to the base 15 through the fastener, which further improves the sealing performance of the connection between the cover 16 and the base 15.

It should be understood that, the top wall of the housing 1 is configured as the cover 16, a side wall of the housing 1 is configured as a side wall of the base 15, and a bottom wall of the housing 1 is configured as a bottom wall of the base 15.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the flow passage includes a sub flow passage, at least one sub flow passage is defined between the first chamber and the second chamber, and a barrier wall is provided in the at least one sub flow passage to block the flow direction of the fluid and adjacent to the communication groove. Further, the first chamber 11 is provided with a barrier wall 5 therein to block the flow direction of the fluid in the first chamber 11, and the barrier wall 5 is provided adjacent to the communication groove 21. Thus, the first chamber 11 is configured as the sub flow passage to direct the flow of the steam, which is simple and reliable. The barrier wall 5 is provided in the first chamber 11 to configure the first chamber 11 as a C-shaped body. For example, when the housing 1 of the steam generator 100 is configured to be a substantial regular body such as a cube, a cylinder, a sphere or an ellipsoid, etc. the barrier wall 5 is provided in the first chamber 11 to make the first chamber 11 have a substantial C-shaped cross section. When the housing 1 of the steam generator 100 is designed as an irregular body, the barrier wall 5 is provided in the first chamber 11 to make the first chamber 11 have a substantial C-shaped cross section with equivalent effect.

Optionally, the barrier wall 5 may be integrally formed with the side wall of the housing 1. Specifically, four end walls of the barrier wall 5 are connected to the housing 1 and the dividing wall 2 respectively and are provided in an integrally forming manner. For example, a portion of the side wall of the housing 1 is recessed into the first chamber 11 inwards a center of the housing 1 to define the barrier wall 5. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. The barrier wall 5 and the housing 1 may also be two structures formed separately, for example, the barrier wall 5 is welded in the first chamber 11.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 18, the barrier wall 5 includes a first end wall 51, a second end wall 52, a third end wall 53 and a fourth end wall 54. In which, the first end wall 51 is integrally connected to the bottom portion of the housing 1 (i.e. the bottom portion of the base 15), the second end wall 52 is integrally connected to the side wall of the housing 1 (i.e. the side wall of the base 15), the third end wall 53 is integrally connected to the outer side wall of the dividing wall 2, and the fourth end wall 54 is the top wall of the barrier wall 5. The fourth end wall 54 is provided with a seal groove 55 in communication with the above-described groove 22 of the top portion of the dividing wall 2, an inner top wall of the housing 1 (i.e. a bottom wall of the cover 16) is provided with a raised line 163 connected to the above-described rib 162. When the cover 16 covers the base 15, the rib 162 is fitted in the groove 22, and the raised line 163 is embedded in the seal groove 55, so as to make the barrier wall 5 block the flow direction of the fluid in the first chamber 11 such as the steam.

Further, the electrical terminal 31 of the heating element 3 is embedded in the barrier wall 5 and exposed outside through the through hole in the side wall of the housing 1 corresponding to the barrier wall 5. Specifically, as the barrier wall 5 is integrally formed with the housing 1 and the dividing wall 2, the electrical terminal 31 of the heating element 3 provided in the dividing wall 2 is embedded in the barrier wall 5, and the side wall of the housing 1 corresponding to the barrier wall 5 is provided with the through hole, so that the electrical terminal 31 passes through the through hole and is exposed outside for an electric connection. Thus, the terminal of the heating element 3 is intelligently embedded in the barrier wall 5, which is simple in structure, and avoids a complicated arrangement of electric wires in the housing 1.

Optionally, the housing 1, and the dividing wall 2 and the barrier wall 5 formed in the housing 1 may all configured to be cast aluminum pieces.

Further, the water inlet 13 is located at a side of the barrier wall 5 facing away from the communication groove 21, that is to say, the water inlet 13 and the communication groove 21 are located at two sides of the barrier wall 5 respectively. Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, the water flowing into the first chamber 11 via the water inlet 13 is vaporized into the steam with low dryness under a heating effect of the heating element 3. Due to the effect of the barrier wall 5, the steam flows to the communication groove 21 after flowing along the first chamber 11 and around a circle of the outer circumferential wall of the dividing wall 2, and enters the second chamber 12 via the communication groove 21. The steam is heated and dried again after entering the second chamber 12, and further the steam is converted into dry steam and is discharged via the steam outlet 14. During the process, an area where the steam contacts the inner and outer surfaces of the dividing wall 2 and the inner surface of the housing 1 is increased, and the heating element 3 provided in the dividing wall 2 can be prevented from overheating locally, which makes for prolonging the service life of the dividing wall 2 and the service life of the heating element 3, improves the heating efficiency of the heating element 3, and meanwhile, further shortens the pre-heating time of the steam generator 100 so as to improve the dryness of the steam.

Specifically, the steam generator 100 includes a first water inlet pipe 61 in communication with the water inlet 13, and a water outlet end of the first water inlet pipe 61 extends into the first chamber 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the water outlet end of the first water inlet pipe 61 extends downward into the first chamber 11. Thus, the water outlet end of the first water inlet pipe 61 and the communication groove 21 are located at two sides of the barrier wall 5 respectively, the water outflowing from the water outlet end of the first water inlet pipe 61 flows in the first chamber 11, and is converted into steam with low dryness after being heated by the heating element 3, and the steam needs to flow around a circle of the dividing wall 2 in order to enter the second chamber 12 via the communication groove 21. During the process, an area where the steam contacts the inner and outer surfaces of the dividing wall 2 and the inner surface of the housing 1 is increased, and the heating element 3 provided in the dividing wall 2 can be prevented from overheating locally, which makes for prolonging the service life of the dividing wall 2 and the service life of the heating element 3, improves the heating efficiency of the heating element 3, and meanwhile, further shortens the pre-heating time of the steam generator 100 so as to improve the dryness of the steam.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the water inlet 13 and the communication groove 21 are located at a same side of the barrier wall 5.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8, 11 and 12, the steam generator 100 includes a second water inlet pipe 62 in communication with the water inlet 13, and a free end of the second water inlet pipe 62 extends from a side of the barrier wall 5 adjacent to the communication groove 21 to the other side of the barrier wall 5 after encircling dividing wall 2 in the circumferential direction. Thus, after the water entering the first chamber 11 from the second water inlet pipe 62 is converted into the steam under the heating effect of the heating element 3, at least a portion of steam in the first chamber 11 needs to flow around a circle of the dividing wall 2 in the circumferential direction in order to enter the second chamber 12 via the communication groove 21. During the process, an area where the steam contacts the inner and outer surfaces of the dividing wall 2 and the inner surface of the housing 1 is increased, and the heating element 3 provided in the dividing wall 2 can be prevented from overheating locally, which makes for prolonging the service life of the dividing wall 2 and the service life of the heating element 3, improves the heating efficiency of the heating element 3, and meanwhile, further shortens the pre-heating time of the steam generator 100 so as to improve the dryness of the steam.

Of course, the present invention is not limit thereto. The water inlet pipe may also be formed as other shapes, for example, a water inlet end of the water inlet pipe is in communication with the water inlet 13, and the other end of the water inlet pipe is provided around a plurality of turns of the dividing wall 2 in the circumferential direction. Or, the other end of the water inlet pipe may also be spirally wound around the dividing wall 2 in the circumferential direction.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 8, the second water inlet pipe 62 is provided with a plurality of first water outlet holes 621 spaced apart. Thus, the water outflowing from the plurality of first water outlet holes 621 may be injected on the outer circumferential wall of the dividing wall 2, so that a water flow or water membrane is formed on the outer circumferential wall of the dividing wall 2, and flows downward along the outer circumferential wall of the dividing wall 2, so that the liquid water has a sufficient heat exchange with the heating element 3, furthermore, the steam generated from the water injected from the first water outlet holes 621 of the second water inlet pipe 62 facing away from the communication groove 21 needs to flow around a circle of the outer circumferential wall of the dividing wall 2 in order to enter the second chamber 12 via the communication groove 21, thus improving the heating efficiency of the heating element 3, shortening the pre-heating time of the steam generator 100, and meanwhile, preventing the heating element 3 from overheating locally to prolong the service life of the heating element 3. Optionally, the plurality of first water outlet holes 621 are evenly spaced in a side of the second water inlet pipe 62 adjacent to the dividing wall 2, which is convenient for the water outflowing from the first water outlet holes 621 to be injected on the dividing wall 2 as much as possible to facilitate the heating of the heating element 3. It should be understood that, when the plurality of first water outlet holes 621 of the second water inlet pipe 62 are very small and inject atomized water droplets, the above-described advantage may be further optimized.

In other specific examples of the present invention, the free end of the second water inlet pipe 62 is configured as a water outlet end, thus, the water outlet end of the second water inlet pipe 62 is separated from the communication groove 21 by the barrier wall 5, the water outflowing from the water outlet end of the second water inlet pipe 62 is converted into the steam under the heating of the heating element 3, and the steam needs to flow around a circle of the outer circumferential wall of the dividing wall 2 in order to enter the second chamber 12 via the communication groove 21. During the process, an area where the steam contacts with the inner and outer surfaces of the dividing wall 2 and the inner surface of the housing 1 is increased, and the heating element 3 provided in the dividing wall 2 can be prevented from overheating locally, which makes for prolonging the service life of the dividing wall 2 and the service life of the heating element 3, improves the heating efficiency of the heating element 3, and meanwhile, further shortens the pre-heating time of the steam generator 100 so as to improve the dryness of the steam. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the second water inlet pipe 62 includes a C-shaped pipe segment 622 and a vertical pipe segment 623 perpendicular to the C-shaped pipe segment 622 and connected to the water inlet 13, which is simple in structure. Further, the second water inlet pipe 62 surrounds the outer side of an upper outer wall surface of the dividing wall 2, thus, at least a portion of water discharged from the second water inlet pipe 62 may be injected on the outer side of the upper outer wall surface of the dividing wall 2, and flow downward along the dividing wall 2, so that the water can fully exchange heat with the heating element 3, which improves the heating efficiency of the heating element 3, meanwhile, and prevents the heating element 3 from overheating locally to some extent. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second water inlet pipe 62 may also surround other positions of the dividing wall 2 in a height direction, for example, the second water inlet pipe 62 surrounds the outer side of a middle outer wall surface or a lower outer wall surface of the dividing wall 2.

In other specific examples of the present invention, the steam generator 100 may also include a third water inlet pipe (not illustrated) in communication with the water inlet 13, a water outlet end of the third water inlet pipe extends into the side of the first chamber 11 facing away from the communication groove 21 after passing through the barrier wall 5, so as to make the water outlet end of the third water inlet pipe and the communication groove 21 located at two sides of the barrier wall 5 respectively, which is convenient for the water outflowing from the water outlet end of the third water inlet pipe to enter the first chamber 11 and to be converted into the steam under the heating of the heating element 3, and at least a portion of the steam in the first chamber 11 needs to flow around a circle of the dividing wall 2 in the circumferential direction in order to enter the second chamber 12 via the communication groove 21. During the process, an area where the steam contacts with the inner and outer surfaces of the dividing wall 2 and the inner surface of the housing 1 is increased, and the heating element 3 provided in the dividing wall 2 can be prevented from overheating locally, which makes for prolonging the service life of the dividing wall 2 and the service life of the heating element 3, improves the heating efficiency of the heating element 3, and meanwhile, further shortens the pre-heating time of the steam generator 100 so as to improve the dryness of the steam. Further, the steam generator 100 also includes a fourth water inlet pipe in communication with the water inlet 13 (not illustrated), a free end of the fourth water inlet pipe is closed, meanwhile, the fourth water inlet pipe passes through the barrier wall 5, extends in the circumferential direction of the dividing wall 2, and the fourth water inlet pipe is provided with a plurality of second water outlet holes (not illustrated) spaced apart in a length direction of the fourth water inlet pipe. Thus, the water outflowing from the plurality of second water outlet holes may be injected on the outer circumferential wall of the dividing wall 2, so that a water flow or water membrane is formed on the outer circumferential wall of the dividing wall 2, and flows downward along the outer circumferential wall of the dividing wall 2, so that the liquid water has a sufficient heat exchange with the heating element 3, furthermore, the steam generated from the water injected from the second water outlet holes of the fourth water inlet pipe facing away from the communication groove 21 needs to flow around a circle of the outer circumferential wall of the dividing wall 2 in order to enter the second chamber 12 via the communication groove 21, thus improving the heating efficiency of the heating element 3, shortening the pre-heating time of the steam generator 100, and meanwhile, preventing the heating element 3 from overheating locally to prolong the service life of the heating element 3. Optionally, the plurality of second water outlet holes are evenly spaced in a side of the fourth water inlet pipe adjacent to the dividing wall 2, which is convenient for the water outflowing from the second water outlet holes to be injected on the dividing wall 2 as much as possible. It should be understood that, when the plurality of second water outlet holes of the fourth water inlet pipe are very small and inject atomized water droplets, the above-described advantage may be further optimized.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam formed in the first chamber 11 forms a steam cyclonic airflow after entering the second chamber 12 via the communication groove 21. Specifically, an extending direction of the communication groove 21 is tangent to an inner circumferential wall surface of the second chamber 12, so that the steam formed in the first chamber 11 tangentially enters the second chamber 12 to form the steam cyclonic airflow.

Specifically, with the above-described configuration of the communication groove 21, under the heating of the heating element 3, the steam in the first chamber 11 tangentially enters the second chamber 12 via the communication groove 21, and forms the cyclonic airflow in the second chamber 12 to make the steam contact the inner wall surface of the second chamber 12, meanwhile, the cyclonic airflow may form an effect of cyclone separator, so as to make the liquid water of the steam thrown onto the inner wall of the second chamber 12, vaporized rapidly or flow downward along the inner wall, and the liquid water further forms the steam under the heating of the heating element 3. Thus, on one hand, the inner wall surface of the second chamber 12 can be prevented from overheating locally to some extent so as to prolong the service life of the heating element 3, meanwhile, the heating efficiency of the heating element 3 can be improved, the pre-heating time of the steam generator 100 can be shortened, and the temperature and the dryness of the steam at the steam outlet 14 can be increased; on the other hand, the scale in the steam is thrown onto the inner wall surface of the second chamber 12, and adheres to the inner wall surface of the second chamber 12, which reduces the possibility for the scale to be discharged from the steam outlet 14, and avoids a harm resulting from that the steam outlet 14 is jammed by the scale.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 11 to 15, the communication groove 21 is formed in the upper portion of the dividing wall 2 and is adjacent to the top wall (for example, adjacent to the cover 16) of the housing 1. Thus, the steam formed by water which is heated by the heating element 3 can conveniently move upward and enter the second chamber 12 from the first chamber 11.

According to some further embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a pressure switch device 4 is provided at the steam outlet 14 to make the steam in the housing 1 discharged unidirectionally via the steam outlet 14. The pressure switch device 4 provided at the steam outlet 14 can make the steam in the housing 1 discharged via the steam outlet 14 at a constant velocity and a high pressure. Specifically, when the heating element 3 is used for heating, the water in the housing 1 is vaporized into the steam continuously. The pressure in the housing 1 increases continuously, when the pressure in the housing 1 is larger than a setting value, the pressure switch device 4 is opened, so that it is convenient for the dry steam to be rapidly discharged via the steam outlet 14 at a high pressure. When the pressure in the housing 1 decreases to be equal to or less than the setting value, the pressure switch device 4 is closed and the pressure switch device 4 will not open until that the pressure in the housing 1 reaches up to the setting value again. Thus, the pressure switch device 4 provided at the steam outlet 14 may make the housing 1 always maintain a certain pressure therein, which not only facilitates improving a saturation temperature of the steam in the housing 1 to improve the temperature and dryness of the steam at the steam outlet 14, but also facilitates improving the discharging velocity of the steam to ensure that the steam is discharged via the steam outlet 14 continuously and avoid continuous attenuation phenomenon of the steam at the steam outlet 14. In which, it should be understood that, the setting value of the pressure in the housing 1 is related to a weight of the pressure switch device 4, accordingly, the setting value of the pressure in the housing 1 may be adjusted by adjusting the weight of the pressure switch device 4.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a protruding post 161 extends downward from the cover 16, and a one-way passage 1612 having a passage opening 1611 is defined in the protruding post 161. In which, an upper end of the one-way passage 1612 is in communication with the steam outlet 14, and the pressure switch device 4 is provided in the one-way passage 1612. Thus, a structure is simple, and the protruding post 161 extending downward from the cover 16 increases a surface area in the second chamber 12, so that the scale adheres to the outer surface of the protruding post 161, which avoids a damage to the steam generator 100 resulting from the excessive scale to some extent, so as to prolong the service life of the steam generator 100. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. The cover 16 may not be provided with the protruding post 161.

Optionally, the protruding post 161 has an annular cross section, and a cross sectional area of the protruding post 161 becomes smaller and smaller in a direction away from the cover 16.

In some further specific examples of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the pressure switch device 4 includes a seal element 41 and an elastic element 42. In which, the seal element 41 seals the passage opening 1611 under an elastic deformation force of the elastic element 42. For example, the seal element 41 is located in the one-way passage 1612 and a lower end thereof seals the passage opening 1611, the elastic element 42 abuts between the steam outlet 14 and the seal element 41, so that it is convenient for the seal element 41 to seal the passage opening 1611 according to the elastic deformation force of the elastic element 42. Thus, when the heating element 3 is heating, the pressure in the housing 1 increases continuously, and when the pressure in the housing 1 is larger than a setting value, the steam in the housing 1 pushes the seal element 41 up to make the elastic element 42 in a compressed state, so that it is convenient for the steam to pass through the passage opening 1611 and further pass through the one-way passage 1612 and finally be discharged via the steam outlet 14; when the pressure in the housing 1 is equal to or less than the setting value, the elastic element 42 abuts the seal element 41 against the passage opening 1611 to seal the passage opening 1611.

On the one hand, the above configuration can facilitate further improving a saturation temperature of the steam in the housing 1 to improve the temperature and dryness of the steam at the steam outlet 14, but also can facilitate improving the discharging velocity of the steam to ensure that the steam is discharged via the steam outlet 14 continuously and avoid a continuous attenuation phenomenon of the steam. On the other hand, the provided elastic element 42 and the seal element 41 can also block the scale and the liquid water of the steam in the housing 1, which not only avoids a pipe jam due to that the scale is discharged into the pipe connected to the steam outlet 14 with the steam, but also further improves the dryness of the steam discharged via the steam outlet 14. In which, it should be understood that, the setting value of the pressure in the housing 1 is related to a weight of the elastic element 42 and the seal element 41, and an elastic coefficient and a deformation length of the elastic element 42. Accordingly, the setting value of the pressure in the housing 1 may be adjusted by adjusting the weight of the elastic element 42 and the seal element 41, and the elastic coefficient and the deformation length of the elastic element 42.

Optionally, the seal element 41 may be in the shape of a sphere, a cylinder, a cone or a cuboid, etc. Of course, it should be understood that, the seal element 41 may also be in the shape of other forms as long as the passage opening 1611 can be closed and opened. Optionally, the seal element 41 may be configured as a piston, and the elastic element 42 may be configured as a spring.

Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments of the present invention, the pressure switch device 4 includes a one-way valve plate provided at the steam outlet 14. For example, the pressure switch device 4 may be configured as the one-way valve plate to make the steam discharged unidirectionally via the steam outlet 14, which is simple in structure.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating element 3 may heat the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11 simultaneously, that is to say, in the whole operation process of the heating element 3, the heating element 3 always heat the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11 simultaneously. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. When the heating element 3 just starts to operate, the heating element 3 dose not heat the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11 simultaneously, after a period of time, the heating element 3 heats the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11 simultaneously. For example, during a period of time (for example, 5 seconds) when the heating element 3 just starts to operate, the heating element 3 first heats the first chamber 11, so that it is convenient for the water in the first chamber 11 to be converted into the steam as soon as possible under the heating of the heating element 3 to enter the second chamber 12. After a period of time (for example, 5 seconds), the heating element 3 heats the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11 simultaneously, so that it is convenient for the heating element 3 to continue to heat the water in the first chamber 11 and the steam entering the second chamber 12, so as to increase the dryness of the steam discharged via the steam outlet 14.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the steam generator 100 further includes at least one gain structure 7. The gain structure 7 is accommodated in the second chamber 12 and/or the first chamber 11, for example, the gain structure 7 may only be accommodated in the second chamber 12, or the gain structure 7 may only be accommodated in the first chamber 11, or there are a plurality of gain structures 7 and the plurality of gain structures 7 are accommodated in the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11 respectively. Thus, by providing the gain structure 7 in the second chamber 12 and/or the first chamber 11, not only an internal surface area of the second chamber 12 and/or the first chamber 11 increases, more scale can conveniently adhere to the gain structure 7, which prolongs the service life of steam generator 100 to some extent, but also the flowing of the scale with the steam can be blocked to reduce the possibility that the scale flows out via the steam outlet 14.

The gain structure 7 is in contact with the dividing wall 2, thus transferring the heat generated by the heating element 3 to the gain structure 7 to facilitate the heat exchange between the gain structure 7 and the steam and/or the water flowing through the gain structure 7, and increasing the heat exchange area so as to improve the utilization rate of the heat from the heating element 3, reduce the operate time of the heating element 3 to some extent, and prolong the service life of the heating element 3, and indirectly prolong the service life of the steam generator 100, meanwhile, the temperature and dryness of the steam can be increased.

Optionally, the gain structure 7 is not in contact with the inner side wall of the first chamber 11 (i.e. the inner side wall of the housing 1/the inner side wall of the base 15), so as to avoid heat radiation to the exterior of the steam generator 100 to some extent due to a contact between the gain structure 7 and the inner side wall of the first chamber 11. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. The gain structure 7 may be connected to the outer side wall of the dividing wall 2 and the inner side wall of the first chamber 11 at the same time.

Further, the gain structure 7 is connected to the dividing wall 2, for example, the gain structure 7 and the dividing wall 2 are integrally formed in one piece, which is simple in structure. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. The gain structure 7 may also be provided on the top wall of the housing 1 (for example, the cover 16); the gain structure 7 extends downward into the second chamber 12 and/or the first chamber 11, and is in contact with the dividing wall 2.

Specifically, a lower end of the gain structure 7 is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the housing 1 to facilitate the flowing of the water and the scale in the bottom portion of the housing 1 (the bottom portion of the cover 16), and to prevent the lower end of the gain structure 7 from being in contact with the bottom wall of the housing 1 to avoid the accumulation of the scale therebetween. Optionally, the gain structure 7 has a substantially cross shaped cross section, and a cross sectional area of the gain structure 7 gradually decreases in an up-and-down direction. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. The gain structure 7 may also be in the shape of other forms, for example, a plate shape extending in an up-and-down direction.

Optionally, a plurality of gain structures 7 is provided, and the plurality of gain structures 7 is provided around the dividing wall 2 in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the plurality of gain structures 7 is provided around the dividing wall 2 in the circumferential direction thereof and spaced apart. For example, four gain structures 7 are provided, the four gain structures 7 are accommodated in the first chamber 11 and evenly spaced around the dividing wall 2 in the circumferential direction thereof. It should be understood that, sizes and shapes of the plurality of gain structures 7 may be the same, and may also be different.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam generator 100 further includes at least one scale containing structure provided in the second chamber 12 and/or the first chamber 11. For example, the scale containing structure is only provided in the second chamber 12, or the scale containing structure is only provided in the first chamber 11, or there are a plurality of scale containing structures and the plurality of scale containing structures are provided in the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12 respectively. Thus, by providing the scale containing structure, not only the internal surface area of the second chamber 12 and/or the first chamber 11 can be increased, more scale can conveniently adhere to the scale containing structure, so as to prolong the service life of steam generator 100 to some extent, but also the flowing of the scale with the steam can be blocked to reduce the possibility that the scale flows out via the steam outlet 14.

Further, referring to FIGS. 10 to 18, the scale containing structure is configured to be at least one of a mesh grille 81, a strip grille 82 and a columnar grille 83.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the scale containing structure is configured as the mesh grille 81, thus, facilitating increasing the internal surface area of the housing 1 to facilitate adhering more scale to the mesh grille 81, so as to prolong the service life of steam generator 100 to some extent, and meshes of the mesh grille 81 may also block the flowing of the scale with the steam to reduce the possibility that the scale flows out via the steam outlet 14. Meanwhile, because of the mesh grille 81, a filter screen does not need to be disposed at the steam outlet 14, so as to avoid problems in the art as followed: the steam outlet 14 is blocked because the scale adheres to the filter screen which is provided at the steam outlet 14, and a pipe is blocked because the scale on the filter screen flows into the external pipe in communication with the steam outlet 14 under the impact of the steam, and etc.

It should be noted that, a mesh of the mesh grille 81 may be formed as a circular hole, a hexagonal hole, or holes in other shapes, which is not limited by the present invention. It should be understood that, meshes of the mesh grille 81 may have the same size, of course, may also have different sizes. Optionally, sizes of the meshes of the mesh grille 81 are adjustable. For example, the sizes of the meshes of the mesh grille 81 may be adjusted according to different water qualities and the operating conditions in different regions.

Optionally, a plurality of mesh grilles 81 may be provided, and the plurality of mesh grilles 81 is spaced in the chamber where they are (i.e. the first chamber 11 and/or the second chamber 12). For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, three mesh grilles 81 are spaced in the first chamber 11, so that an adhesion area for the scale increases to a greater extent, and the flowing of the scale with the steam is blocked to a greater extent to decrease the possibility that the scale flows out via the steam outlet 14.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the scale containing structure is configured as the strip grille 82, thus, facilitating an increase in the internal surface area of the housing 1 to facilitate adhering more scale to the strip grille 82, so as to prolong the service life of steam generator 100 to some extent, and the flowing of the scale along with the steam can be blocked to reduce the possibility that the scale flows out via the steam outlet 14. Meanwhile, because of the strip grille 82, a filter screen does not need to be disposed at the steam outlet 14, so as to avoid problems in the art as followed: the steam outlet 14 is blocked because the scale adheres to the filter screen which is provided at the steam outlet 14, and the pipe is blocked because the scale on the filter screen flows into the external pipe in communication with the steam outlet 14 under the impact of the steam, and etc. In addition, since each grille hole of the strip grille 82 extends in a height direction of the strip grille 82, when the scale is blocked by the strip grille 82, the scale deposits downward to a bottom portion of the strip grille 82, which reduces the probability that the strip grille 82 is blocked by the scale, and ensures a flow area of the steam via the strip grille 82; and further when the steam is flowing through the strip grille 82, the flow rate of the steam is not excessively large to prevent the scale from rushing out via the steam outlet 14 together with the steam.

It should be understood that, sizes and the number of the grille holes of each strip grille 82 are adjustable, for example, the sizes of grille holes may be adjusted according to different water qualities and the operating conditions in different regions.

Optionally, a plurality of strip grilles 82 may be provided, and the plurality of strip grilles 82 is spaced in the chamber where they are (i.e. the first chamber 11 and/or the second chamber 12). For example, as shown in FIG. 18, three strip grilles 82 are spaced in the first chamber 11, so that an adhesion area for the scale increases to a greater extent, and the flowing of the scale along with the steam is blocked to a greater extent to decrease the possibility that the scale flows out via the steam outlet 14.

Further, the mesh grille 81 and/or the strip grille 82 are provided in the first chamber 11, two ends of the mesh grille 81 and/or two ends of the strip grille 82 are connected to the inner side wall of the first chamber 11 and the outer side wall of the dividing wall 2 respectively. For example, when the first chamber 11 is only provided with the mesh grille 81 therein, two ends of the mesh grille 81 are connected to the inner side wall of the first chamber 11 and the outer side wall of the dividing wall 2 respectively; when the first chamber 11 is only provided with the strip grille 82 therein, two ends of the strip grille 82 are connected to the inner side wall of the first chamber 11 and the outer side wall of the dividing wall 2 respectively; and when the first chamber 11 is provided with the mesh grille 81 and the strip grille 82 therein simultaneously, two ends of the mesh grille 81 and two ends of the strip grille 82 are connected to the inner side wall of the first chamber 11 and the outer side wall of the dividing wall 2 respectively. Thus, the steam flowing through the first chamber 11 has to pass through the mesh grille 81 and/or the strip grille 82 in order to continue to flow forward, so that the flowing of the scale along with the steam is reliably blocked.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 14, the inner side wall of the first chamber 11 is provided with a first snap groove 84, the outer side wall of the dividing wall 2 is provided with a second snap groove 85, and the two ends of the mesh grille 81 and/or two ends of the strip grille 82 are snapped into the first snap groove 84 and the second snap groove 85, thus reliably fixing the mesh grille 81 and/or the strip grille 82 in the first chamber 11 to avoid a move or a waggle of the mesh grille 81 and/or the strip grille 82 in the first chamber 11 due to an unstable fixation of the mesh grille 81 and/or strip grille 82, which affects a use effect of the mesh grille 81 and the strip grille 82.

For example, in a specific embodiment of FIG. 14, the first snap groove 84 and the second snap groove 85 both extend in a height direction of the housing 1 (i.e. a height direction of the base 15) to make the strip grille 82 and/or the mesh grille 81 reliably fixed between the first chamber 11 and the dividing wall 2. Specifically, the first snap groove 84 is defined by two first protruding ribs protruding from the inner side wall of the first chamber 11 and being spaced apart from each other. The second snap groove 85 is defined by two second protruding ribs protruding from the outer side wall of the dividing wall 2 and being spaced apart from each other, which is simple and reliable in structure. Optionally, the second protruding ribs and the dividing wall 2 may be integrally formed in one piece, and the first protruding ribs and the housing 1 may be integrally formed in one piece.

In further embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, a columnar grille 83 is located in the first chamber 11 and/or the second chamber 12, and the columnar grille 83 includes a plurality of extending strips 831 substantially extending in a radial direction thereof, thus facilitating an increase in the internal surface area of the first chamber 11 and/or the second chamber 12 to facilitate adhering more scale to the extending strips 831, so as to prolong the service life of the steam generator 100 to some extent; the extending strips 831 may also block the flowing of the scale with the steam to some extent to reduce the possibility that the scale flows out via the steam outlet 14.

Specifically, the columnar grille 83 includes a number of rounds of extending strips 831 distributed in the height direction of the housing 1, each round includes a plurality of extending strips 831 distributed around a circumference (for example, around a circumference of the dividing wall 2), so as to increase the internal surface area of the first chamber 11 and/or the second chamber 12 to a greater extent to facilitate containing more scale, meanwhile, the flowing of the scale with the steam can be blocked to a great extent to prolong the service life of the steam generator 100. Further, two adjacent rounds of extending strips 831 are staggered from each other in a height direction, for example, a number of rounds of extending strips 831 distributed in the height direction of the housing 1 (for example, the height direction of the base 15) are staggered from each other. Thus, when the scale flows with the steam, the probability that the scale contacts with the extending strips 831 increases, the flowing of the scale with the steam can be blocked, and further that the steam outlet 14 and the pipe connected to the steam outlet 14 are blocked by the scale outflowing with the steam via the steam outlet 14 can be avoided, which prolongs the service life of the steam generator 100.

Optionally, the extending strips 831 extend from the outer side wall and/or the inner side wall of the dividing wall 2, for example, when the columnar grille 83 is provided in the second chamber 12, the extending strips 831 extend from the inner side wall of the dividing wall 2 towards the second chamber 12; when the columnar grille 83 is provided in the first chamber 11, the extending strips 831 extend from the outer side wall of the dividing wall 2 towards the first chamber 11; when the columnar grilles 83 are provided in the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12 simultaneously, the plurality of extending strips 831 extend from the outer side wall of the dividing wall 2 towards the first chamber 11 and extend from the inner side wall of the dividing wall 2 towards the second chamber 12 respectively.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the heating element 3 is spirally around the dividing wall 2 in the circumferential direction thereof and is provided in the dividing wall 2. For example, there is one heating element 3 and the heating element 3 is spirally around the dividing wall 2 in the circumferential direction thereof and is provided in the dividing wall 2. So that a contact area of the heating element 3 and the dividing wall 2 increases to make the heating element 3 radiate more heat to the second chamber 12 and the first chamber 11 via the dividing wall 2, which shortens the pre-heat time of the steam generator 100 to improve the temperature and dryness of the steam. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. A plurality of heating elements 3 may be provided, and the plurality of heating elements 3 are distributed in an up-and-down direction of the dividing wall 2 and spaced apart from each other.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam generator 100 further includes at least one temperature controller 9, and the temperature controller 9 controls the energization and de-energization of the heating element 3 according to a temperature of the housing 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the temperature controller 9 is provided on an outer surface of the housing 1. For example, the temperature controller 9 is provided on an outer top wall of the housing 1 (i.e. an outer top wall of the cover 16), on an outer bottom wall of the housing 1 (i.e. an outer bottom wall of the base 15), or on an outer side wall of the housing 1 (i.e. an outer side wall of the base 15). Thus, providing the temperature controller 9 on the outer surface of the housing 1 not only facilitates the installation, maintenance and replacement of the temperature controller 9, but also optimizes an operating environment of the temperature controller 9. The temperature controller 9 does not need to operate under a harsh environment, such that a range of choice of the temperature controller 9 is enlarged, for example, a temperature controller 9 with a low cost can be chosen, to facilitate decreasing a cost of the steam generator 100.

Optionally, in some examples, the temperature controller 9 is configured as an electronic temperature controller 9 which is connected with a first temperature sensor, the temperature controller 9 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 1 to make the first temperature sensor detect a temperature of the housing 1, and controls the energization and de-energization of the heating element 3 according to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor. For example, when the first temperature sensor of the temperature controller 9 detects that the temperature of the housing 1 is greater than a predetermined maximum temperature, the temperature controller 9 controls the heating element 3 to stop heating; when the first temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the housing 1 is less than a predetermined minimum temperature, the temperature controller 9 controls the heating element 3 to heat. So that it ensures the use reliability of the heating element 3, improves the use safety of the steam generator 100, and prevents the steam generator 100 from burnout and other potential safety hazard, which results from an excessive high temperature due to continuous heating of the heating element 3.

Optionally, a plurality of temperature controllers 9 is provided and connected in parallel, and may be provided at different positions on the outer surface of the housing 1 respectively to detect temperatures of the different positions on the housing 1. For example, when a first temperature sensor of a first temperature controller 9 detects that a temperature of a position on the housing 1 where the first temperature controller 9 is located is greater than the predetermined maximum temperature value, the first temperature controller 9 may control the heating element 3 to stop heating; after the heating element 3 stops heating for a while, if a first temperature sensor of a second temperature controller 9 detects that a temperature of a position on the housing 1 where the second temperature controller 9 is located is less than the predetermined minimum temperature value, the second temperature controller 9 may control the heating element 3 to start to heat.

Of course, in other examples, the temperature controller 9 may be configured as a mechanical temperature controller 9 and is provided on the housing 1, and the temperature controller 9 may be disconnected or reset to control the energization and de-energization of the heating element 3.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the steam generator 100 further includes at least one fuse 10 provided on the outer surface of the housing 1. For example, the fuse 10 is provided on the outer top wall of the housing 1 (i.e. the outer top wall of the cover 16), on the outer bottom wall of the housing 1 (i.e. the outer bottom wall of the base 15), or on the outer side wall of the housing 1 (i.e. the outer side wall of the base 15). So that it facilitates the installation, maintenance and replacement of the fuse 10.

Each fuse 10 includes a second temperature sensor, and the fuse 10 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 1 to make the second temperature sensor detect the temperature of the housing 1. When the second temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the housing 1 is greater than a predetermined value, the fuse 10 controls the heating element 3 to be de-energized. Specifically, when the second temperature sensor of the fuse 10 detects that the temperature of the housing 1 is unusually high (for example, when the steam generator 100 is in an abnormal operation and the temperature controller 9 breaks down) and is greater than the predetermined value, the fuse 10 can blow to make the heating element 3 de-energized so as to stop the heating element 3 from heating, so that the use safety of the steam generator 100 is improved.

Optionally, a plurality of fuses 10 may be provided and is connected in parallel; the plurality of fuse 10 may be provided on different positions on the outer surface of the housing 1.

Further, the temperature controller 9 is provided on the outer side wall of the housing 1, for example, the temperature controller 9 is provided on the outer side wall of the base 15. Optionally, the fuse 10 and the temperature controller 9 both are provided on the outer side wall of the base 15.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 18, the housing 1 is configured as a cube, a sphere, an ellipsoid or a cylinder, which is simple in structure.

Optionally, the steam outlet 14 is provided at a position corresponding to the center of the second chamber 12. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. The steam outlet 14 may also be provided at other positions on the top wall of the housing 1 (i.e. the cover 16) corresponding to the second chamber 12, as long as it is convenient for the steam in the second chamber 12 to be discharged.

Optionally, a central line of the dividing wall 2 and a central line of the housing 1 are collinear, that is to say, a central line of the second chamber 12 and a central line of the first chamber 11 are collinear. Thus, it is convenient for the steam to pass through the first chamber 11 smoothly, and is convenient for the heating element 3 to heat the steam in the first chamber 11 uniformly. Of course, it should be understood that the central line of the second chamber 12 and the central line of the first chamber 11 may also not be collinear.

As shown in FIG. 19, the steam generator system 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention, includes the above-described steam generator 100, a water tank 200, a water softener 400 and a water pump 300. Optionally, the water pump 300 is configured as a displacement pump or a vane pump.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the water pump 300 is connected between the water tank 200 and the water inlet 13, when the steam generator 100 is in operation, the water pump 300 pumps the water in the water tank 200 into the housing 1 of the steam generator 100 continuously, and the heating element 3 heats continuously. Specifically, V represents the flow rate of the water pump 300, when the steam generator 100 is in operation, the water pump 300 pumps the water in the water tank 200 into the housing 1 continuously at a flow rate of 20 ml/min≦V≦100 ml/min Specifically, when the steam generator system 1000 is in operation, the water pump 300 pumps the water in the water tank 200 into the housing 1 of the steam generator 100 continuously at a flow rate of 20 ml/min≦V≦100 ml/min, so that it is convenient for the water in the housing 1 to be rapidly vaporized into the steam under heating of the heating element 3, and the steam then is discharged via the steam outlet 14. On the one hand, it is convenient for adding water, and a pre-heat time of the steam generator 100 is shortened, a continuous discharge of the steam via the steam outlet 14 is ensured, so that the operating efficiency of the steam generator 100 is improved. On the other hand, an arrangement of a level sensor, wiring, etc. in the steam generator 100 is avoided, so that it is conductive to save the cost, and convenient for workers to assemble, meanwhile, the safety performance of the steam generator system 1000 is improved. It should be noted that, the water pump 300 pumps the water in the water tank 200 into the housing 1 of the steam generator 100 continuously at a flow rate of 20 ml/min≦5 V≦100 ml/min, said “continuously” may be construed as three embodiments that continuing without a stop or without a break, continuing at equal time intervals, or continuing at unequal time intervals.

Optionally, P represents a power of the heating element 3, when 1000 W≦P≦2500 W, 20 ml/min≦V≦100 ml/min Thus, a degree of cooperation between the heating element 3 and the water pump 300 is optimized to avoid problems as followed: as the power of the heating element 3 is too low, the water pumped into the housing 1 by the water pump 300 is too much, the water in the housing 1 spills over; and as the power of the heating element 3 is too high, the water pumped into the housing 1 by the water pump 300 is too little, the heating element 3 has no water to heat but itself. Therefore, safety of the steam generator system 1000 during use can be further improved.

In the steam generator system 1000 according to the embodiments of the present invention, providing the above-described steam generator 100 facilitates adding water and miniaturization of the household appliance, as the steam generator system 1000 has a small size.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the steam generator 100 is in operation, the water pump 300 continuously pumps the water in the water tank 200 into the housing 1, and the heating element 3 continuously heats. That is to say, once the steam generator 100 starts to operate, the water pump 300 continuously pumps the water in the water tank 200 into the housing 1, and the heating element 3 continuously heats. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, when the steam generator system 1000 is in operation, the water pump 300 may pump a predetermined amount of water in the water tank 200 into the housing 1 at equal intervals or unequal intervals, the heating element 3 may heat continuously. For example, the water pump 300 may pump the predetermined amount of water into the housing 1 every 5 minutes, the heating element 3 heats continuously, even after the water pump 300 has pumped the predetermined amount of water into the housing 1 and stops pumping, the heating element 3 still heats. In which, it should be understood that, a time parameter that the water pump 300 pumps water in the water tank 200 into the housing 1 at equal intervals or unequal intervals may be adaptively adjusted according to the practical requirements.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the water tank 200, the water pump 300 and the water inlet 13 of the steam generator 100 are in communication with each other to form a water inlet pipeline, and the water softener 400 is connected to the water inlet pipeline in series. Thus, the water softener 400 is connected to the water inlet pipeline in series to soften the water in the water inlet pipeline, and the water entering the steam generator 100 is softened, so that during use of the steam generator 100, the scale in the steam generator 100 may be significantly reduced, and a descaling treatment for the steam generator 100 may be not required. Thus, the cost is saved, and the safety in use of the steam generator system 1000 is improved to prolong the service life of the steam generator system 1000.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 19, the water softener 400 is provided in the water tank 200 to soften the water in the water tank 200. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. The water softener 400 may also be connected to other positions in the water inlet pipeline in series, such as a position between the water pump 300 and the steam generator 100.

Optionally, the water softener 400 is configured as a softening resin or a reverse osmosis membrane, so as to improve a softening effect on the water in the water inlet pipeline and remove the scale in the water to a large extent.

The household appliance according to embodiments of the present invention includes the above-described steam generator system 1000.

The household appliance according to embodiments of the present invention has a small size by providing above-described steam generator system 1000, which facilitates achieving the miniaturization of the household appliance, and adding water into the housing 1 via the water inlet 13.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the household appliance may be a vacuum cleaner, a garment steamer, a range hood, a coffee maker, a washing machine, an air conditioner or a microwave oven.

In the present invention, unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “coupled,” “fixed” and the like are used broadly, and may be, for example, fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; may also be mechanical or electrical connections; may also be direct connections or indirect connections via intervening structures; may also be inner communications or interactions of two elements, which can be understood by those skilled in the art according to specific situations.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an example,” “a specific example,” or “some examples,” means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine the different embodiments or examples and the features of the different embodiments or examples described in this specification without conflicting situations.

Although explanatory embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated that the above embodiments cannot be construed to limit the present disclosure, and changes, alternatives, and modifications can be made in the embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art. 

1. A steam generator, comprising: a housing, wherein at least two chambers spaced apart from each other are defined in the housing, the at least two chambers are in communication with each other via a communication groove, and two chambers of the at least two chambers are provided with a water inlet and a steam outlet respectively; a heating element formed in the housing and used to heat and vaporize water in the housing into steam; and a flow passage formed in the housing and extending from the water inlet to the steam outlet via the at least two chambers.
 2. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber are defined in the housing, the third chamber and the second chamber are provided in the housing side by side, the first chamber is defined between side walls of the third chamber and the second chamber and an inner side wall of the housing, the first chamber is in communication with the third chamber via a first communication groove, and the third chamber is in communication with the second chamber via a second communication groove.
 3. The steam generator according to claim 2, wherein the heating element is provided on side walls of the third chamber and the second chamber to heat the first chamber, the second chamber and the third chamber.
 4. The steam generator according to claim 2, wherein the water inlet is in communication with the first chamber, and the steam outlet is in communication with the second chamber.
 5. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are defined in the housing via a dividing wall, at least one communication groove is provided in the dividing wall to make the first chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber, the water inlet is in communication with the first chamber, the steam outlet is in communication with the second chamber, and the heating element is provided on the dividing wall to heat the first chamber and the second chamber.
 6. The steam generator according to claim 5, wherein the dividing wall is formed as a plate-shape piece to separate the first chamber and the second chamber, and make the first chamber and the second chamber arranged side by side in a left-and-right direction.
 7. The steam generator according to claim 5, wherein the dividing wall is formed as an annular piece to make the first chamber surround the second chamber.
 8. The steam generator according to claim 7, wherein the flow passage comprises a sub flow passage, at least one sub flow passage is defined between the first chamber and the second chamber, a barrier wall is provided in the at least one sub flow passage to reduce a flow velocity of the fluid, and barrier wall is provided adjacent to the communication groove.
 9. The steam generator according to claim 8, wherein the first chamber is provided with the barrier wall to reduce the flow velocity of the fluid, and the barrier wall is provided adjacent to the communication groove.
 10. The steam generator according to claim 9, wherein the water inlet is located at a side of the barrier wall facing away from the communication groove.
 11. The steam generator according to claim 10, wherein the steam generator further comprises a first water inlet pipe in communication with the water inlet, and a water outlet end of the first water inlet pipe extends into the first chamber.
 12. The steam generator according to claim 9, wherein the water inlet and the communication groove are located at a same side of the barrier wall.
 13. The steam generator according to claim 12, wherein the steam generator further comprises a second water inlet pipe in communication with the water inlet, a free end of the second water inlet pipe extends from a side of the barrier wall adjacent to the communication groove to the other side of the barrier wall after encircling the dividing wall in a circumferential direction thereof.
 14. The steam generator according to claim 13, wherein the second water inlet pipe has a plurality of first water outlet holes spaced apart.
 15. The steam generator according to claim 13, wherein the free end of the second water inlet pipe is configured as a water outlet end.
 16. The steam generator according to claim 12, wherein the steam generator further comprises a third water inlet pipe in communication with the water inlet, and a water outlet end of the third water inlet pipe extends into a side of the first chamber facing away from the communication groove after passing through the barrier wall.
 17. The steam generator according to claim 12, wherein the steam generator further comprises a fourth water inlet pipe in communication with the water inlet, a free end of the fourth water inlet pipe is closed, the fourth water inlet pipe passes through the barrier wall and extends in a circumferential direction of the dividing wall, and a plurality of second water outlet holes is formed in a length direction of the fourth water inlet pipe and spaced apart.
 18. The steam generator according to claim 7, wherein steam generated in the first chamber forms steam cyclonic airflow after entering the second chamber via the communication groove.
 19. The steam generator according to claim 18, wherein an extending direction of the communication groove is tangent to an inner circumferential wall surface of the second chamber, such that the steam generated in the first chamber tangentially enters the second chamber.
 20. The steam generator according to claim 7, wherein the communication groove is formed in an upper portion of the dividing wall and is adjacent to a top wall of the housing.
 21. The steam generator according to claim 9, wherein the heating element further comprises an electrical terminal, and the electrical terminal is embedded in the barrier wall and exposed via a through hole in a side wall of the housing corresponding to the barrier wall.
 22. The steam generator according to claim 5, wherein the heating element heats the second chamber and the first chamber simultaneously.
 23. The steam generator according to claim 5, wherein the heating element is embedded in an interior of the dividing wall, an inner wall surface or an outer wall surface of the dividing wall.
 24. The steam generator according to claim 23, wherein the heating element is helically in a circumferential direction of the dividing wall and is provided in the dividing wall.
 25. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a base and a cover used to seal the base; wherein the water inlet and the steam outlet are both provided in the cover.
 26. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the steam generator further comprises at least one temperature controller provided on an outer surface of the housing, and the temperature controller controls energization and de-energization of the heating element according to a temperature of the housing.
 27. The steam generator according to claim 1, further comprises at least one fuse, each fuse comprises a second temperature sensor, the fuse is provided on an outer surface of the housing to make the second temperature sensor detect a temperature of the housing, and when the second temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the housing is greater than a predetermined value, the fuse controls the heating element to be de-energized.
 28. A steam generator system, comprising: a water tank; a steam generator according to claim 1; and a water pump pumping water in the water tank into the housing continuously.
 29. A household appliance, comprising the steam generator system according to claim
 28. 30. The household appliance according to claim 29, wherein the household appliance is configured as a vacuum cleaner, a garment steamer, a range hood, a coffee maker, a washing machine, an air conditioner or a microwave oven. 